Essendon has voiced its belief to move the Australia Day public holiday to a "time when all Australians can enjoy a day of national celebration together".
It comes amid "Invasion Day" protests on Tuesday around the country against the culturally sensitive Australia Day holiday.
The Bombers became the latest sporting body to call for the public holiday to change dates - following Cricket Australia's decision to scrap Australia Day references to Tuesday's Big Bash fixtures.
Essendon are a partner of Michael Long's organisation The Long Walk, a charity that supports the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
The Bombers declared they are "committed to reconciliation" in a statement on Tuesday morning in conjunction with their relationships with the Indigenous community.
“We at Essendon Football Club acknowledge that today is a day of sadness and pain for Indigenous peoples,” the statement read.
“We are committed to being a culturally safe and inclusive place where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples want to play, work and support. We value our strong connection with Indigenous Australia and we are committed to reconciliation and celebration the survival of the oldest living culture on earth. We look forward to a time when all Australians can enjoy a day of national celebration together.”
Several other AFL clubs on Tuesday acknowledged Indigenous Australians on social media.
— Essendon FC (@essendonfc) January 25, 2021
🖤💛❤
We acknowledge that this date is one of great sadness for many across our nation.
We value our strong connection with Indigenous Australia, are committed to reconciliation + will continue to celebrate the survival of the world’s oldest living culture. pic.twitter.com/J4ybZeCVCZ
— Melbourne Demons (@melbournefc) January 26, 2021
The North Melbourne Football Club is committed to reconciliation and acknowledges this date marks a day of sadness for many.
We are proud of and respect our first people and look forward to celebrating our country together and on a day that can be enjoyed by all. pic.twitter.com/wsFWoHb2tJ
— North Melbourne (@NMFCOfficial) January 26, 2021
This day is significant. Our people, the country and the story of the land is special. That’s why we stand in alliance and in reconciliation with the oldest living culture in the world.
We love the 60,000+ years of people, culture and identity that this country is founded on. pic.twitter.com/EFmZHWbhjW
— Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) January 25, 2021
Always was, always will be. 🖤💛❤️@clothingthegaps pic.twitter.com/JW8qdTQMX9
— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) January 26, 2021
We at Richmond Football Club acknowledge today is a day of sadness for many of us.
We place enormous value on our connection with Indigenous Australia.
We stand united in our commitment to reconciliation and celebrating the survival of the world's oldest living culture ❤️💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/qc0osHLLB2
— Richmond FC 🐯🏆 (@Richmond_FC) January 25, 2021
Always was, always will be.
Today, we stand beside our Indigenous brothers and sisters, because this isn’t about division.
It’s about acknowledging our past, and working towards a better future, together. pic.twitter.com/V4djLSIRDR
— St Kilda FC (@stkildafc) January 25, 2021
Today we reflect on and respect our nation’s vast culture and diversity.
We value our strong connection to Indigenous Australia and we are deeply committed to playing an active part in Australia’s reconciliation journey. pic.twitter.com/v1kqnN5q0x
— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) January 26, 2021
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